VICE MAYOR MARCAIDA OUT OF JAIL

The court granted yesterday, October 4, Vice Mayor Luis Marcaida III’s motion to bail while facing criminal charges for illegal drugs, possession of explosive device and illegal possession of firearms.

Elmer Zita, spokesperson of the Marcaida, said that there is a big possibility of Marcaida’s liberty today, October 5.

He said that the release is being processed and believes that Marcaida will be set free today after the process is done.

“Motion to bail is served for him to enjoy his temporary liberty while the case is in progress,” he said.

Zita further said that while Marcaida is on his temporary freedom from detention he is able to perform his function as the vice mayor.

“What is very provident is that while the case is being heard he can enjoy his liberty… He can perform his functions as mandated as the Vice Mayor in the City of Puerto Princesa,” he explained.

The spokesperson noted that Marcaida’s bail might not only put him back as the vice mayor but might even make him the mayor since the “suspension” or dismissal of city mayor Lucilo Bayron is still existing.

“Hindi lang baka mayor pa kasi there is what we call suspended animations. Pero eventually he is the rightful vice mayor,” he said.

Zita added that Marcaida, even with his case still pending, will also be able to file his certificate of candidacy for the upcoming election. “Yes, able na able (to run for election) even if he is in jail,” he said.

Zita also said that it is for Marcaida to announce if he is going to run but he believes that many people are in favor for him to sit as an elected official as he said that this is the time for the deprived to rise.

“It’s for him to announce. I think the people is in favor for him to sit on elective office, lalo na yung naniniwala sa kanila, yung nananampalataya at may simpatya, ito na yung panahon para yung pag bangon ng api ay mahayag at malalantad sa ating kabayanan,” Zita said.